How To Use Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

In this article, I’m going to teach you everything you need to know about using Ultram for opiate withdrawal symptoms. Ultram is by no means one of my top choices for easing opiate withdrawal symptoms, however, Ultram is still a good option for some, though not all people. I was even prescribed Ultram for opiate withdrawal several years ago after I went to the ER for acute heroin withdrawal.

I’m going to share my experience using Ultram for opiate withdrawal with you shortly. First, I believe it’s important to explain how Ultram works in the body, that way you will gain a better understanding of how it can help ease opiate withdrawal symptoms.

How Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal Works in Your Body

Ultram is a brand name for a prescription medication called tramadol, which is used to treat mild to severe pain. Contrary to popular belief, Ultram is NOT a narcotic drug. Ultram does not come from the opium poppy plant.

Furthermore, Ultram will not show up as an opiate on a drug test.

So how exactly does Ultram work?

Ultram is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic agent with opiate activity due to a low-affinity binding to the parent compound and higher affinity binding of the O-demethylated metabolite M1 to mu opioid receptors.

So basically, Ultram is a synthetic (man-made) drug that has opiate effects (pain relief, constipation, euphoria, respiratory depression, etc.) due to it binding to the same opioid receptors in the body that opioid analgesic drugs like Morphine and hydrocodone bind to.

Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal Benefits

Since Ultram has opiate effects in the body, it can be useful for relieving withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, sweating, hot and cold flashes, insomnia, depression, nausea, achy muscles and limbs, and fatigue. Based on the severity of addiction and biochemical uniqueness, using Ultram for opiate withdrawal symptoms can work very well for some, and offer minimal benefit for others.

Another thing I find interesting is that Ultram inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. This means that it could potentially also be useful for boosting mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain during opiate withdrawal. Serotonin is an inhibitory (relaxing) neurotransmitter that makes you feel emotionally chilled-out and happy. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) is an excitatory (stimulating) neurotransmitter that can give you more energy and lift mood.

My Experience Using Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal

Several years ago, I went to the emergency room for acute heroin withdrawal. I had been using a half gram to a gram of heroin daily for a few months, and less than 24 hours after my last hit I couldn’t bear the cold-turkey withdrawal symptoms. The ER doctor prescribed me clonidine, Librium, and Ultram for opiate withdrawal. The medications helped get rid of the most severe symptoms, though I still had no energy and some depression and anxiety. In an effort to get high, I decided to take much more Ultram for opiate withdrawal than I was prescribed.

It was so long ago I honestly can’t remember, but I think I was only prescribed between three and six 50 mg Ultram within 24 hours. I can’t remember how many there were in the bottle, but I ended up taking ALL OF THEM within 24 hours. My withdrawal symptoms were reduced considerably, but I didn’t even come close to getting “high”, and then my pills were all gone and I was off to get another bag of heroin immediately. I obviously wasn’t ready to quit. Either that or I was possessed by Satan (evil laugh)!

Precautions Using Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal

Don’t use Ultram for opiate withdrawal in the foolish and irresponsible way that I did. Ultram can be a useful medication if you use it properly.

If you decide to use Ultram for opiate withdrawal, be aware of the following risks:

Ultram can be habit-forming and addictive (many people have become severely addicted after using Ultram for opiate withdrawal).

If you use Ultram consistently, Ultram withdrawal can be just as bad as opiate withdrawal.

Taking too much Ultram can result in overdose.

Depending on the severity of addiction and biochemical uniqueness, Ultram may not work well for everyone.

Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal Studies

In a study from 2012, Ultram was compared to Methadone for the treatment of opiate withdrawal:

Patients were put into two groups: methadone group (60 mg per day) and Ultram group (600 mg per day).

No significant differences existed in the overall Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (OOWS) scores between the two groups (P = 0.11).

Dropout rates were similar in both groups.

Side effects in the Ultram group were as or less common than in the methadone group, with the exception of perspiration.

Results stated Ultram may be as effective as methadone in the control of withdrawal.

In astudyfrom 2006, Ultram was compared to buprenorphine for the treatment of withdrawal:

115 patients were put into two groups (45 in the buprenorphine group, 70 in the Ultram group).

56% of the buprenorphine group and 71% of the Ultram group completed detoxification.

Ultram patients had significantly higher average withdrawal symptoms when compared to the buprenorphine group and a greater reduction in withdrawal symptoms over time.

The number of side effects was minimal and didn’t differ between the two groups.

Results of the study stated that Ultram shows some promise as an opioid withdrawal management medication.

How To Use Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal

If you’ve decided you want to use Ultram for opiate withdrawal symptoms, make sure to use it responsibly.

The following key concepts should help you determine how to use Ultram for opiate withdrawal:

Always use the least amount of Ultram possible to reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms.

Never use Ultram for longer than absolutely needed (3-7 days maximum should get you past the most severe part of withdrawal).

Ultram comes in an extended-release form; this could be more beneficial to use than regular Ultram due to its long half-life.

Depending on addiction severity, some people will benefit from taking 50-100 mg 3-4 times per day, others will need much more than this.

Example:Someone who is coming off a 60 mg daily oxycodone habit might get decent benefits from using Ultram for opiate withdrawal. However, if you’ve been shooting up three grams of heroin per day for the past five years, Ultram might be like putting a band-aid on a broken leg.

Ultram For Opiate Withdrawal Natural Alternative

Suppose you can’t get a doctor to prescribe you Ultram for opiate withdrawal. Buying it on the street would be an option, though I never recommend breaking the law. If you want my opinion, you’d probably be better off using kratom as a natural alternative.

Kratom is a plant (member of the coffee family) that is not regulated by the DEA in the United States (making it uses legal), that binds to the same opioid receptors that Ultram binds to (so it eases opiate withdrawal symptoms). Kratom is available for purchase online and at select retail locations.

Matt Finch

Matt helps men and women that are dependent on opiates learn how to get off these drugs without getting sick. He is a former opiate addict and a former Substance Abuse Counselor at an Opiate Treatment Program (OTP). Matt has since become an Opiate Recovery Coach, Author, and Speaker.

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The information we provide while responding to comments is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The responses to comments on OpiateAddictionSupport.com are designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition.

Reader Interactions

Comments

I don’t understand how god works. It looks to me if it binds with the receptors it will just prolong the inevitable. Can you help me to undertsans this? I have bought your corse and am on day 2 of no pills. I have a couple Ultram but I just don’t want to go back into prolonging this mess!

Matt, great story. I’m on and have Been on 100mg methadone for (this time) 17 Years. 3-4 years ago a dentist pulled a tooth and I was in so much pain for two days while 200mg methadone wouldn’t help. I called the dentist pissed off so he gave me tramadol 50mg. I was in shock but 2 of them killed the pain. I mean I’ve been an opiate addict all my 65 years. (My mom was addicted when i was conceived and I was given paragoric my first 18 months after birth) Anyhow my German Shepherd has bad joint pain and my vet gives me 90 50 mg tramadol as needed. They work for him although the vet says dogs won’t get addicted unless you give him 8 plus a day. I only give him 1 to 1.5 a day. I don’t want my buddy to suffer as I have. What I found interesting is Tramadol can get me high even in methadone! I don’t use them but I did give it a whirl. I just am SICK of getting high and methadone isn’t the same as being clean but it beats ripping and running. Take care Matt,

Thanks for the feedback!! And thanks also for sharing a bit about your situation. I remember when an ex-girlfriend was prescribed tramadol for neck pain. She took 50 mg and was high on the couch nodding out. She had no tolerance at all. I appreciate you leaving a comment here, and thanks for reading the article!!

I’m on day 12 of no methadone. ( I was on 4 a day for 18 years 40 mg a day tops, but I usually took less if my pain wasn’t bad. My doc left the clinic and no one there would write a script for the meds so the doc sent me to a pain clinic and I went there and they don’t give out any meds! I wonder what they do for pain then? the doc actually told me to call more doctors until I found one to give me the meds! weirdest pain clinic I have ever been to! I got the supplements and everything that Matt her says to take and I didn’t really have any withdrawals except for the leg aching ( I think it’s from the Restless Leg Syndrome I have now though, so it was pretty easy really, one day I had no energy at all but that was gone the next day! now I’m just so freakin tired my heads buzzing from lack of sleep) Anyways the only problem I’m having is restless legs like crazy! I have had no more than 3 hours of sleep each night some less, in a week or more. Broke down and made a doc apt for tomorrow for something to get me thru the last of it so I can sleep again! I’m sick of 3 am showers and I’m like a zombie right now. The only thing that helps is hot showers pulsing on my legs( use the shower wand on them) and some kratom although it only lasts a few hours tops. I’ll fall asleep and then wake up because I have to pee or the legs started up again then can’t go back to sleep and I can’t sleep during the day at all. The hot shower on the legs can last almost 2 hours of no rls sometimes an hour…Anyways I wanted to tell you IRV, that the reason the methadone didn’t work on your toothache is it doesn’t work at all on anything above your neck! I was on it for 18 years and didn’t know that until the past 2 years because I asked my doctor why it didn’t help my headaches, so if a dentist gave it to you he is an idiot! anyways… I was subscribed Ultram years ago when it first came out and It didn’t work well at all for me and I had some weird effects but it did nothing for my pain at all. I forget how long I was on it but I know it was for a while. It must have been low doses because I never got high on it and didn’t have withdrawals on it I think… I remember I had restless legs over 29 years ago but the methadone stopped it cold ( what a relief!) but I thought it was just something I had but now I wonder if it was from withdrawing from one of the drugs the docs gave me back then and said it won’t addict me. ( ya well that’s not right now is it!) anwys thanks Att for the info on her it helped me a lot.

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